Large patio with built-in BBQ and shade trees. Privacy screening shrubs and planting borders along the property lines.

I would need to see a sketch or picture of all the property boundaries in order to make suggestions but here's a rough sketch of just what I can see from your photo.

Thank you all for your help. I can't wait to use some of your ideas to make my backyard beautiful.

This is another configuration of the patio placement.

It really depends on your lifestyle, and what you would like to do outside.

Of course that's a very important point when designing a landscape. As a general rule I think most homeowners love to cook out, sit out, eat out in the yard when the weather's nice so useful areas for these activities are important. The homeowner hasn't given any specifics as to what she wants at this time but it would be good to know what her lifestyle is and what she expects in a landscape design.

Curious as you how the land was used before it was developed?

Maybe if you had some throw around money you could build an in-ground pool with two mulberry trees on each side and a cement area to set a grill on for those BBQ nights.

Sweet Caroline, thanks so much. I'm in love with the 2nd design and can't wait to find a company to make my dream come true. Thanks again

Thanks, Ashwee, I'm glad you like it.

Aja, I'm in a new subdivision and it was all woods up until a yer ago.

HOW UNFORTUNATE THE DEVELOPER CHOOSE TO RAZE IT.

Fortunately, where I live, that is illegal.

There should be similar laws in every county across the nation.

Aja - Many towns have shade tree ordinances, where trees within the setbacks/buffers can't be cut down w/o permission, and trees over a certain size on the rest of the property also need permission to be removed.

Looks like the yard has a low area. I would make this a "pond", a place for seasonal rain and run off to go. During the dry season it will stay as a suggestion of water. Do this with stone for pond, a few large boulders, plantings and a bench to overlook.

Astraea, thanks you beat me too it. My town does indeed have ordinances that protect the amount of trees that were cut down to build the subdivision.

Where is the property?

What trees are left to protect?

I have no idea I just threw out an idea I'm only eleven that pic is my big sister